United appear to be holding out on an announcement so they can deliver a double whammy when Alexis Sanchez finally signs.

Two big announcements on one day has an even greater impact.

But it was clear at the Carrington training complex yesterday that Mourinho is very content at Manchester United and the board are more than happy with him. So signing a new deal has not been a problem.

When he also said back on Boxing Day that amount was not enough, he was right.

Because the gap in the Premier League told you it wasn’t.

Guardiola took over a club in City from a much better starting point.

A team that had only just reached the Champions League semi-finals, as opposed to the last 16 of the Europa League in United’s case. That was probably the difference in the two sides as well.

Mourinho has restored the spirit, restored the confidence. Made players he inherited better, such as Anthony Martial, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and now Luke Shaw looks back to his old self again.

It has been tough love from Mourinho but yesterday he acknowledged that young full-back Shaw had taken on board what he has been saying and now he would not swap him for anyone in his position.

Mourinho said: “He was already improving and playing well when I started playing him after that long spell without minutes.

“He is physically much better, mentally much stronger, tactically understanding the game much better and what we need in different phases and circumstances.

“I’m really happy. I can say that in this moment I don’t see many left-backs better than THIS Luke Shaw.”

Next season he does not want to see a better team than his Manchester United.